DoTC, LTFRB launch 24-hour airport bus service; fare at P300

UBE Express will be operated by AIR21. MIAA photo

Tired–or better yet, frustrated–of the long queue for pricey yellow airport taxis, coupon taxis and car rentals at the airport?

The Department of Transport and Communication (DOTC) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday launched a premium airport bus service that would ferry passengers to and fro all terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

Starting Thursday, the service will operate on a 24-hour basis with a 20-minute interval, said a statement from the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) on Wednesday.

A total of 42 buses would complete the fleet by June this year, it added.

READ: First Naia shuttle bus service provider a Lina firm

Passengers from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 have to choices: Going to Roxas Boulevard and to Makati Central Business District.

The following are the pick-up and drop-off points:

Along Roxas Boulevard:

– Midas Hotel
– Hotel Jen
– Manila Hotel
– Mall of Asia
– Entertainment City

In Makati:

-Glorietta 4 and 5,
– Ascott Hotel

Approved by the LTFRB, the fare is pegged at P300 for a bus service that can accommodate only 24 people, has built-in WiFi, global positioning system (GPS) and secured with CCTV cameras, Miaa said.

READ: Naia bus scheme a flop?

Miaa General Manager Jose Angel Honrado lauded D0TC and LTFRB for crafting transport categories that serve the airport.

“The Miaa welcomes this initiative that will guarantee enhanced travel experiences for our passengers. With the introduction of the premium bus service, passengers can expect shorter queues for transport vehicles at the curbside areas of the terminals,” Honrado said.

Transport Network Companies like Uber and Grab are also expected to start operating at Naia “as early as next month,” according to Miaa.

AIR21 will be operating the service under the brand name UBE Express. TVJ